Results of an Automated GPS Tracking System in Support of Topex/Poseidon and GPSMet

Abstract:

A fully automated near real-time GPS tracking system has been developed around JPL's GIPSY/OASIS II software. The system produces <25 cm (3D rms) GPS orbits and one-half nanosecond (15 cm) clock estimates. The process starts automatically when a favorable global distribution of ground data from the IGS network (International GPS Service for Geodynamics) becomes available. Ionospherically corrected phase and pseudorange data are optimally combined to remove satellite and ground receiver clock errors, including selective availability. After the GPS orbits are determined within the data arc, they are then propagated with empirically determined dynamic force models. Real-time <2 meter (3D rms) GPS orbits are always available. As a by-product of this process, other calibration estimates such as station clocks, troposphere estimates, and Earth orientation parameters are also produced. For daily arc fits, the process requires 7-8 hours of CPU time on an HP9000/735 workstation.